An Evaluation of BS-VI Fuel Emission Standards in India

The United Nations Climate Change Conference, held in Paris in 2015, had set the right tone for a climate policy for all the nations to embark on ambitious efforts to combat climate change. It encouraged all the nations to adapt technologies and strategies that promote sustainable global climate efforts and keep temperature below 2°C from pre-industrial times. India too has made an admirable national effort to keep pace with Paris Convention target by introducing Bharat Stage VI fuels in New Delhi from April 1 2018 and NCR by April 2019 amid public outcry about poor air quality in the national capital. The poor air quality could be blamed on vehicular emissions of ill-maintained commercial vehicles with old engines crowding the city. India as per the international practices introduced higher fuel grade a couple years before the new emission standards kick in. The recent Supreme Court order to ban the sale and registration of the current Bharat Stage –IV vehicles by automobile industry from 1st April 2020 speaks volumes about the seriousness of the government's intention to improve the air quality in India. This article critically evaluates the government's decision vis-à-vis other stakeholders. It also lays down policy prescriptions and outlines future questions which can be derived by from this study.